Seth Williams facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Seth Williams
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Maj. Gen. Seth Williams
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| Born | March 22, 1822 Augusta, Maine |
| Died | March 23, 1866 (aged 44) Boston, Massachusetts |
| Place of burial |
Forest Grove Cemetery, Augusta, Maine
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1842–1866 |
| Rank |  Brevet Major General |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Seth Williams (born March 22, 1822 – died March 23, 1866) was an American military officer. He played an important role in the American Civil War. Williams served as a top assistant to generals in the Union Army. His job was like a chief of staff, helping to manage the army's daily operations.
Contents
Early Life and Military Training
Seth Williams was born in Augusta, Maine. He went to the United States Military Academy at West Point. He graduated in 1842, ranking 23rd in his class.
After West Point, Williams became an aide-de-camp (a personal assistant) to General Robert Patterson. This was during the Mexican–American War. He earned a special honor called a brevet (a temporary higher rank) to captain. This was for his brave actions at the Battle of Cerro Gordo.
From 1850 to 1853, Williams worked as an adjutant (an administrative officer) at West Point. Later, he moved to Washington, D.C.. There, he joined the main office for adjutants general.
Serving in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, Seth Williams was promoted. He became a major in August 1861. Soon after, in September 1861, President Abraham Lincoln made him a brigadier general.
Williams was a close friend of General George B. McClellan. He even stood with McClellan at his wedding in 1860. Williams became McClellan's assistant adjutant general. This meant he helped McClellan manage the Army of the Potomac. He was in charge of writing orders, letters, and reports for the army. This was a very important job.
Williams was known for being friendly and easy to get along with. Other officers often visited his quarters for company.
Working with General Grant
Later in the war, Williams joined the staff of Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant. He worked as an inspector general from 1864 until early 1866.
Williams played a key role at the end of the war. When General Grant decided to ask Confederate General Robert E. Lee to surrender, Williams delivered the message. He also carried Grant's terms for surrender to the Confederate army. Williams was present when Lee surrendered to Grant on April 9, 1865. This moment ended the Civil War.
Later Life and Legacy
For his service, Williams received more brevet promotions. He was honored as a brevet colonel for his actions at the Battle of Gettysburg. He was also named a brevet major general of volunteers.
Sadly, Williams became ill in March 1866. He died in Boston, Massachusetts, on March 23, 1866. He was buried in Augusta, Maine.
Fort Williams in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, is named in his honor. It was given his name in 1899. After his death, he was also given posthumous (after death) brevet promotions in the regular army.
